Jenson Button has admitted he’s more excited this year than he was in 2009 when he knew he had a competitive car, thanks to the sheer competitiveness of the grid.
The McLaren driver is looking forward to the challenges represented by the top drivers in the top four teams, including Schumacher at Mercedes, Alonso at Ferrari and his biggest challenge of all, his teammate Hamilton, in identical machinery.
In response to whether or not this was the most excited he’s been at the start of a season, he said: “Yeah. I mean, last year I was very excited. I had a car that was.. while we all knew that it was capable of winning the first race, after the position we were in, when we didn’t even think we’d be on the grid. So arriving in Melbourne was pretty exciting.
“But this year I’m more excited because of the competitiveness of the four top teams, plus Sauber and Williams. And having Michael in the sport, which I think is great for the sport and I’m looking forward to go head to head with him,” he told Autosport.
“Also having Lewis as a team-mate. He’s an exceptional driver and it’s a really big challenge, an exciting one. And Fernando in a Ferrari.”
Button is glad to see change in the sport after the negative press F1 has received over the past couple of years which has included spying, poor stewarding decisions, breakaway threats and deliberate crashing.
“There is so much change this year, I think it’s all positive for the sport. Last year we had some negative publicity, which is more away from the circuit than the actual racing.
“But this year I would say it’s been fantastic, because of the publicity we’ve had, with world champions in competitive cars, new teams coming in. This is great for F1 and hopefully it’s going to get more supporters and fans interested in the sport. I can’t wait for the first race. I think it’s going to be a very special season.”
Team-mate Hamilton shares Button’s excitement.
“I’m looking forward to getting to Bahrain. It’s the first real trip we’re going to do – looking forward to getting some good weather. Walking into the paddock for the first time each season is always a real buzz, and obviously getting in the car on Friday,” added Hamilton.
